Analysis of a mechanical anchoring system for landing on asteroids

Abstract

The landing process to an asteroid is discussed with a Nimble Lander. The miniature harpoons are chosen as the anchoring device to landing to asteroid in the Nimble Lander. The analysis results provide detailed information of the anchoring with harpoon as anchoring device. Many different designs of harpoon have been tested by simulation, the best of three designs of harpoon are analyzed for anchoring to Apophis. Instead of the modelling of the anchor as a rigid cylindrical projectile in penetration models, the deformation of the harpoon is fully considered in the anchoring analysis. The analysis provides ground base a reliable design anchoring system for landing to Asteroids.